First flight success for Watchkeeper UAV

17 April, 2008

SOURCE: Flight International

BY: Arie Egozi

Tel Aviv

Elbit Systems performed the first test flight of a prototype WK450 unmanned air vehicle for the British Army's Watchkeeper programme on 16 April, two days later than scheduled. "The flight was successful," says a source related to the programme.

Conducted from Megido airfield in northern Israel, the 25min sortie was witnessed by representatives from the UK Ministry of Defence and Watchkeeper prime contractor Thales UK, both of which have declined to comment further or release images of the milestone.